The Blue Jackets have signed defenseman David Savard to a five-year contract extension that begins in 2016-17 and continues through the 2020-21 NHL season, club GM Jarmo Kekalainen announced today.  

Savard, 24, set career highs and led Blue Jackets defensemen in goals and ranked second in points with 11 goals and 25 assists for 36 points with 71 penalty minutes and an “even” plus/minus rating in 82 games during the 2014-15 season. 

"Getting David signed to a contract extension was a priority for us and we are very happy to have reached a long-term deal with him," said Kekalainen. "He has taken tremendous steps the past two seasons and responded very well to the larger role he played on our blueline last season.  We are excited about his future with the Blue Jackets."